The song "Runaway" by Charlotte Gainsbourg expresses feelings of self-criticism and the desire for a partner to leave to avoid causing them further harm. The lyrics highlight a sense of constant dissatisfaction with oneself and the tendency to focus on the negative aspects of a relationship. The singer acknowledges her flaws and admits to always finding something wrong, causing her partner to tolerate her behavior for too long. She describes herself as being adept at identifying the things she dislikes the most, indicating a tendency to nitpick and criticize. The chorus suggests having a toast for various negative personalities, such as douchebags, assholes, and scumbags, as a sarcastic way of acknowledging her own shortcomings. It can be interpreted as a way of acknowledging the toxicity in her own behavior. In the second verse, Gainsbourg admits that she has never been much of a romantic and struggles with intimacy. She acknowledges the damage she has caused, as indicated by the look in her partner's eyes. She admits that her partner has an advantage to blame her for everything that goes wrong and expresses fear about how she would cope if they were to leave. The repeated refrain of "Run away from me, baby, run away" signifies her underlying understanding that her partner deserves better and should escape from the toxicity she brings. She urges them to run away when things become turbulent and suggests that she has a plan, encouraging them to leave as fast as possible. Overall, "Runaway" explores themes of self-awareness, self-criticism, and the desire for someone to escape from a toxic relationship. The song reflects the internal struggles of the singer and her realization that her partner deserves better.
